The End. Poem by Ellen Devilliers

Dissolution, evaporation, the ending of our love
Like the rising of the morning mist, comes by slow degrees,
Imperceptible, inevitable, a slowly changing structure,
A change wrought in the heart before the mind.

Invisible to the public eye, we measure our distance
A gradual realisation of our impending silence,
Where words and protestations no longer have their place.

I stand bereft of words. I don’t know how to tell you.

You talk to me of freedom, of choice, of new horizons,
Of changes that will work their undoubted miracle,
Of brilliant careers, certain glory, beautiful destiny.

I hear you. I listen. You must be right. I cannot say.

Let’s put an end to this dissolution, this evaporation,
Let’s spare our feelings, save our words, retain our dignity,
Let’s walk away from each other with our hearts still full, our minds at one,
Let’s make the last decision together.

But neither has the courage to close the half-open door,
Neither wants to throw away what love might still be saved,
Neither you nor I would stop the slow pain of dissolution,
The evaporation of what little love remains.

The morning mist rises over the hills, across the water
Leaving behind the imprint of a well-known picture,
The sunlight filters through the mass of rising water.

Dissolution. Evaporation. I can no longer see.